Vehicle Flap Unit With Gesture Sensing for Intuitive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle flap units for covering openings, such as loading or tank openings, are complex and difficult to operate effectively, lacking intuitive and secure mechanisms for opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle flap unit equipped with a multi-sensor module that includes touch and gesture sensors, allowing for intuitive operation by detecting predetermined movements to trigger opening and closing functions, and is integrated into the flap or vehicle exterior structure for enhanced accessibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flap unit is used without sensor modules, then the structure is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical operation mechanisms with sensor-based detection systems. The multi-sensor module detects gestures and touches to automatically trigger flap opening/closing, eliminating the need for manual mechanical actuators and improving ease of operation while managing complexity through electronic substitution
Solution Approach 2:
The flap unit operates autonomously by using the multi-sensor module to detect user intentions and automatically execute opening or closing actions. The system serves itself by interpreting sensor data and triggering appropriate motor responses without requiring direct mechanical user intervention
2Ease of operation
If a multi-sensor module is integrated into the flap unit, then the ease of operation improves through intuitive gesture detection, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (gesture sensors and touch sensors) into a single integrated multi-sensor module. This combination allows the system to detect both gesture movements and direct touches, providing versatile control options while consolidating components to manage overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-sensor module serves multiple functions: detecting gesture movements for contactless operation, detecting touches for direct interaction, and providing input signals for both opening and closing operations. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while justifying the added complexity through enhanced capability
3Reliability
If the outer gesture sensor unit is deactivated when the flap is open, then the reliability improves by preventing false activation, but the ease of operation deteriorates when access is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation of sensor units based on flap position. The outer gesture sensor unit is deactivated when the flap is open to prevent false activation from background movements, but can be reactivated when needed. This dynamic control strategy balances reliability with operational flexibility
4Ease of operation
If the screen is mounted movably on the vehicle exterior structure, then the ease of operation improves for accessing the opening, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features in the movable screen mounting system. The screen is pre-positioned and guided to ensure proper alignment during movement, preventing misalignment issues before they occur and maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having at least one vehicle exterior structure and a movable flap unit for covering an opening in the vehicle exterior structure, particularly a loading opening or tank opening of the vehicle. At least one gesture sensor module is provided and the flap unit has at least one screen which is mounted movably on the vehicle exterior structure. The screen covers the opening in the vehicle exterior structure in the closed position and releases access to the opening in the open position. The gesture sensor module is configured to detect a predetermined first actuation process and to trigger an opening process of the screen when the screen is closed, and to detect a predetermined second actuation process and to trigger a closing operation of the screen when the screen is open.